The House of Borgia, or Borja, was a Spanish-Italian noble family that became prominent during the Renaissance, and were the most impressionable embodiment of the Templars – and also the Order's leaders. Notable members include Rodrigo, Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia, and the family is known in modern times for their corrupt practices. In 1492, with Rodrigo Borgia's election as Pope, the family became the ruling body of the Papal state. As a result, the city of Rome declined into corruption, theft, murder and oppression.